Of what I have left out

Few words: I didn’t have any post for 2015. So I would like you guys to pretend that this is a 2015 post, so I can still brag that I blog consistently every year.

My grammatical ignorance was on another level, I literally cringe when I read some of my earliest posts. But at least I realized them now, that’s a good start for 2017. Kudos to whoever that say/think my English is good.

I try my best to retain my half humor-half serious writing style, but today I might get a tad emotional judging on how long I have been away from casual writing. And maybe because I am listening to a sad song right now.

Just to fill you in, I still prefer casual writing – y o u c a n d o w h a t e v e r y o u w a n t. Like this! If I were to do that in a formal publication, prepare to resubmit.

Now, enough of nonsense, let’s go back to the part where I want to be emotional.

Four years ago when I made a decision to come out of my comfort zone to restart my ‘nerdy gigs’, it turned out to be one of the darkest moment in my life. Not knowing what to expect, I landed myself in a rather sticky position where I was literally being told to work like a Trojan for the next few years. Not wanting to slave away my next few years, I braced myself to fight for a change. But the level of bureaucracies and policies here are unreal, it make simple things complicated and worse yet my fight seems like going to waste.

When life takes you to the darkest place where you are surrounded by an overwhelming sense of hopelessness and absolutely no control of your life direction, you struggle for some time but eventually give in whatever outcome life give you. On the verge of giving up, I met some inspiring and helpful people that dragged me out of this slump. I thought to myself that nothing could be any worse – if I were to be expelled, I can pretend this ‘gigs’ to be non-existence and so I forced myself to go through all the politics again, this time aggressively.

Thankfully, somehow somewhat my fight went through but it also upset several parties along with my fight. In a way, I was part thankful and part repentant of the fight that I forced through. I learned that it is the decision we are forced to make during our darkest moment that lay the foundation on which to build for the rest of our lives. 

But even to date, I still have that repentant feeling with me.

I will never forget the moment that I collapsed at the middle of the road when I knew I lost my best friend. I have absolutely no strength in my legs when I got to know about it, while my mum was crying on the phone. I was shocked, lost, sad and part of me was furious. We absolutely take life for granted but trying to end it somehow enraged me. I know there will be times in life where everything gets on top of us and we might be making a decision that is not healthy nor the best – but didn’t want to live on, somehow enraged me. I resented him for being selfish and not seeking help.

It was only a year later when I finally visited his grave. Upon seeing his gravestone, tears flowed down uncontrollably. Maybe it was the quiet moment in the cemetery or maybe I could no longer deny his departure – for the next 10 minutes I was weeping like a baby reminiscing all the good/bad times we had. I paid my respect and sat down to talk but nothing came out from my mouth. For the next 10 minutes, I just couldn’t carve a word for the silent audience of departed souls. Somehow, I have accepted that his departure was a foregone conclusion, and I have to be on good term with that. I truly believe that there are times in life that our mind has to breakdown, and only through this breakdown experience, we are able to let go of the bad and pick ourselves up to continue moving forward.

As I look back right now, it was these darkest moments that turned out to be most profound and empowered me to get through the smaller battles of today. Things might not be the best right now, but if you endure, you will find a job be alright. And I quote from my friend "you just have to get back up where you fall".

Truly Thy, Tee

Few words: This post might sounds a tad sissy but that is just because you don't know how to appreciate the feminine side of a gentleman. Really, you have no clue at all.

 

And so while i was reading something I downloaded from the internet. I realized that the weight of four A4 papers can be quite burdening ionic exchange can be quite severe in some cases involving protons from moisture.

Anyway...

Few days back, a girl told me that blogging should be from the heart and not by brainstorming or plotting some agenda behind words. Then later I asked myself, if I really blog from heart without filtering anything, there is a big chance, I am blogging behind bars now.

The same girl was really disappointed I don't take planning seriously, as I didn't put up an effortful celebration (in your words): "for a meaningful occasion together". But the fact is, I was trying to do it as simple as possible, so the celebration today will be *hopefully* something (I quote from your words again): "to remember for life".

And so here it goes,

Sawadikap Tee,

SURPRISE!!!

I really hope you enjoy the dinner here. I took the luxury of our monthly budget to buy you and myself some 'atas' dinner. Don't say full now, there should be a chocolate cake coming soon (if it is still nowhere to be seen, nudge me, I pre-paid for it already).

Initially I was planning to post this beforehand, but I didn't know you still visit my blog regularly (again, thanks for your contribution towards the visitor counts). And ruin the surprise is not my perfect reason to gain more visitor counts, so I took it down almost immediately.

I also bought you something, from the luxury of our next month budget *gulp*.

It better fits! I've been tricking you to try my watch so many times to gauge your wrist size. I hope it is better than the angrybird-self-proclaimed Pandora. And this is what I've been 'look look see see' for the past few days. I got to admit, there are so many charms out there and so many to choose. Nevertheless, I chosen only a few though (can't afford spending the next two months budget);

Bear Hug. Didn't I told you that I was going to give you a bear hug. Even better, with santa hat somemore.

Love Letter. Something that every girl should receive from their love one. You've just received one.

Lucky Penny. I don't deny I was going to force this name to you *cough* so that *cough* it can be more *cough* meaningful *cough*. Haha!

Happy Be-earlied Birthday, Tee!! 

Hope you like tonight arrangement.

Or perhaps, could the charms also represents Valentine, CNY and Christmas, in your words, why not let's celebrate all this "meaningful occasion together". But you are on your own to figure this out. *wink*

Truly,

Starbucks James  

Tempted to attempt

Few words: Do I need to stand up straight and sing aloud if some Hawaiian restaurant put on Mamula Moon? Maximum confusion, man!

 
It had been a while since I last blogged. Most of the time, I’ll just be an arse blaming it on something else which doesn’t really matter to you but I’d have a good reason this time – I was abducted.

 
Okay, fine! I wasn’t abducted but I’d have some really compelling grounds for not updating regularly. I’m sure you guys realized that my blog post had gone down despite I’m not working now. Well, the fact is I have been busy adjusting myself to the different lifestyle and environment in the Lion City – officially back to a student and as a foreigner… and when I say foreigner, I mean a legitimate foreigner with a valid student pass that last for the next four years. Oh cut the crap!

 
I don’t usually do this, but here I am, staring at my laptop blankly for hours trying to figure what I’ve done for the past few months while I’m not blogging. I got to say, SNSD’s Tiffany does make a fine wallpaper. I mean, it had been quite a journey for me to reach this point.

1. Leaving my company

 
After a year working, I finally have the courage to hand in my resignation letter. I had a short discussion with my boss and he eventually accepted my resignation somehow. It took me a while to accept the fact that I would be soon leaving my colleagues. But still, I was able to deal with the whole resignation thing professionally - minimizing every drama scene I could for the next few weeks. In the end, I didn’t cry or moan but I wasn’t smiling either when I left. I was officially free from responsibility; no more waking up early in the morning or caught in the traffic jam or dealing with customers’ complaints. That should be a reason to smile for, not? But I wasn’t. For some reason, the next few days I still wake up six in the morning. Ironic huh?

It is the first company I ever worked in as an engineer and I’m grateful for every experiences and opportunities you gave me. And for that, thank you Unisem!

2. Accepting the challenge

 
More often than not, people asked me: Why choose this path? Why become a doctor that cannot cure? Why PhD? Honestly speaking, I just gave them whatever answer that makes them happy. The fact is I have more than enough reasons to support my action and more importantly, I know what I want and I’m happy with it. Nonetheless, my family was against my will when they first know my intention to further study but I guess my perseverance and determination somewhat convinced them. In the process of making choices, I learned that if you follow your heart, you won’t be wrong and even if you are, you won’t regret your choice. Maybe, it is too early for me to say. Haha.

 
The journey to here wasn’t a pleasant one; it was one of the bumpiest rides in my life. To keep story short, I have to go through hell to make things right. Being a foreigner here, you have to adapt fast and start learning that things work differently here. Not knowing that, I had become a victim of this system. Anyhow, things are better now, despite some glitches in the beginning. But these glitches turned out to be a huge reminder to me to not think worst and continue to be grateful and hopeful. I guess people are right, when you forced yourself out of your comfort zone, you really grow up faster. 

3. Slowly catching up 

 
It had been more than a year since I last saw my university friends. Since I have a few days off during my recess week, so why not organize a gathering. The thing is we had not seen each other for a year but I’ve been following their FB almost daily or whenever I have the chance, so I don’t feel left out from the group. Even after a torturing 10 hours journey, to be honest, I was still excited looking forward to meet them. As usual, we had an exclusive tour around Penang Island pampered with lots of good local foods (speaking of foods, Malaysia foods are the best!!). The hangout was good and I’m glad to see everyone is doing well in whatever they are doing. Yes, it’s been a little crazy for them, but in a good way though.

I tried to have beers with them but guess what – all still good boys; which is not exactly a bad thing. So, we have milk instead that night. But despite that, I’d really had a good time catching up with you guys.

4. Live your best

 
One year is just a blink of an eye; it is already my junior graduation. That is exactly one year from my graduation. One senior year rolled over just like that. I guess time flies by fast, especially when you’re having fun or working your ass off. Anyhow, due to limited time, I couldn’t travel all the way to Perlis for their convocation but I was lucky enough to meet up with some of my juniors in Penang. Seeing them in academic dress, it had me reminiscing of my graduation day - it was hard to think about anything on that day, but the cap and gown and making most of the time left as an undergraduate. Honestly, I feel bad for not attending their convocation but a junior texted me ‘your notes and guidance are the best graduation gift ever’. Gee, thanks! Psst...I secretly cried my heart out in the bus.

 
Congratulations and ‘live your best’ in the next chapter of your life! Proud of you guys!

A Road Trip Story – Day Three

Few words: MLMB will have a major makeover in layout starting from today post because Bagger Blogger decided to upgrade their posting style and the user, mostly ME, lose all my usual blog style from font colour to photo size and orientation (and yes I can't upload vertical photo anymore). Damn you Thank you blogger.

 

The part three was delayed long enough that I have actually revisited Sitiawan for a few more times and have the same foods dozens of times. Okay enough of light comedy, time for serious stuff. Let’s carry on from where I drop off in day two.

 

The next morning, as usual we stayed in our room till the last check-out call. Don’t you realize that we seldom check-out early? In every Malaysian’s eye, nothing should be wasted if you have paid for it. The same applied to hotel room, ‘die die’ also maximize our stay. Talking about typical Malaysian, I couldn't deny that I’ll always aim for the shower cap, the tiny cute bottles of shampoo and even the tea sachet the first moment I stepped into the hotel room. What? We have paid for that already, not? As I said, typical Malaysian – and you included as well so put away that disgusting smirk face. And for the non-Malaysian, you know better. Remark: Don't proceed further if you can take my JOKE. You may be affected by TOO SERIOUS flu.

One of the must try food recommended by most of the Muslim friend is Mastan Ghani’s mee rebus. We in fact paid Mastan Ghani a visit late evening the day before but alas they only open till 6 pm – I was expecting typical 24 hours operating Mamak stall but it appear not. Despite that, we are even more determined to try this halal food, so we pay Mastan Ghani another visit first thing in the next morning – literally though but it was already lunch time when we checked out.

Anyhow, we reached Mastan Ghani just past lunch hour. Don’t be surprised or confused when you saw two Mastan Ghani stalls just opposite of each other, in fact both belong to the same owners. According to the owners, there was no shop next to their current shop available when they planned to expand their business. But they never gave up and coincidentally the opposite shop is available, so they expanded their business just opposite of their current shop. I got to admit I’d admire their business mind, but I think their franchise is too near. From the latest information, there are actually 4 stalls in Teluk Intan but the best stall is the one opposite The Store.

The two killer dishes served here are mee rebus and mee rojak. The direct translation for the former is steamed noodle while the latter just don’t make any sense – a fusion between two different foods of very contrary category. Let’s skip mee rojak, I will explain later. Mee rebus is traditional Indian-Muslims dishes served with thick sweet and sour prawn gravy. Often it is served with prawn biscuit, fried tofu, boiled egg, plentiful of green salad and a finishing touch – a perfect dash of lime juice right on top of everything else. Voila! That is the Mastan Ghani's killer mee rebus. The noodle blend in so well with the thick gravy which make it totally irresistible, even for a prawn allergy guy like me.

Then here come mee rebus strange sibling, mee rojak which in my opinion is nothing differ from mee rebus. The appearance and everything else is just the same except for the extra fruity rojak taste in their gravy. However, no fruits were found in that plate of mee rojak, I think they mixed the fruits during gravy preparation. Indeed, another ‘mouth opening’ for me.

It was time to head back Ipoh and by looking at our GPS, we must or we could pass by Bidor and what else can we find in Bidor if not that yellow building that serve duck noodle wan ton mee and yam puff. The Pun Chun. I’m not bragging, almost all that travel from Ipoh to KL, back or forth or somehow using that road will stop by to have their lunch there. Don’t believe me, watch 8tv Ho Chak. Speaking of Ho Chak, they aired this a few weeks ago and I was jumping around excitedly telling my friend I went there before but none believed me. Friends, here are some picture to prove you guys wrong.

One of the reason, they are so famous is their location – right in the middle of Ipoh-KL express way. It was just like Singapore in the old days and of course another reason is their foods are worth to stop by too.

Let’s start with Pun Chun's duck noodle wan ton mee – a typical wan ton mee in duck herbal broth. By the way, wan ton mee is a type of thinner noodle usually self-made that give you a crunchy or crispy mouth feel. From their noodle texture, it doesn’t look like self-made noodle; it was way too commercial and rough. The dish is served in a hot herbal broth with duck meat, garnished with leafy vegetable and handful of green onion and scallions. The secret in every wan ton mee is to retain the al dente feel and yet free of plastic smell. In order to do that, the noodle is often blanched in hot water for 10 seconds and immediately rinsed under cold water and placed in serving bowl. Then only the hot broth comes in. The noodle that they are serving still able to retain the crunchy mouth feel but it is not the best I ever tasted. Their broth was ordinary, the same with the duck meat. Overall, okay only.

If you’re looking for yam puff, look for the old man by the small counter inside Pun Chun. Whenever you try to order yam puff from the waitress, they just point toward the old man “Order there, we don’t sell any”. I guess they are having a healthy competition over there, just that next time I would appreciate more if the waitress could lower down her volume. Back to the yam puff, the spider web texture on it does amaze me – a very interesting piece of art. But taste wise is more or less as good as Ipoh Ming Court’s yam puff. Just that I feel the one in Pun Chun is a bit drier. Reflexively, I choked down a few sips of tea to let it go down; no offense though.

After all the good foods, it was time to go home and continue with life aka more work after holidays. That is how my three days road trip (which took more than three months to update) ended. God bless!